The Science of Organizing: A Conversation with Maria J. Stephan

This week, we talk with political scientist and civil resistance scholar, Dr. Maria J. Stephan, co-author of Why Civil Resistance Works. We discuss how she was shaped by early community and faith organizing in Vermont, and later by the documentary A Force More Powerful and global nonviolent struggles. Stephan explains research on preventing democratic backsliding and the need for sustained engagement beyond mass protests, through tactics such as boycotts, strikes, walkouts, and noncooperation. Connect with Maria Website: Maria Stephan Instagram: @horizonsprjt The Horizons Project: The Horizons Project Nonviolent Action Resources and Training: Nonviolent Action Resources and Training Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  Instagram: @RedLetterXians  Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne 

We chat with Tim Shriver—Special Olympics leader, disability rights advocate, and author—who explains how decades with Special Olympics athletes taught him to see people “from the inside out” and recognize dignity as universal, inherent, and not earned. Connect with Tim Website: Tim Shriver Instagram: @timothyshriver The Dignity Index: The Dignity Index Need A Lift? Podcast: Need A Lift? with Tim Shriver - Podcast - Apple Podcasts The Special Olympics: Special Olympics Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  Instagram: @RedLetterXians  Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne 

On this episode, Shane sits down with Kat Armas to talk about how we meet this moment as followers of Jesus, the role of prayer and liturgy, and her new book, Liturgies for Resisting Empire. Connect with Kat Website: Kat Armas Instagram: @katarmas Substack: Some Things Abuelita | Kat Armas | Substack Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  Instagram: @RedLetterXians  Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne 

Shane is joined by Pastor Carl Ruby and Viles Dorsainvil from Springfield, OH.  They have been leading the way in advocating for Haitian families facing the possibility of deportation, and now have a case before the Supreme Court.  Socials: Carl Ruby (@carlrubygoblue) Viles Dorsainvil on Instagram Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  Instagram: @RedLetterXians  Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne 

Jim Murphy Shane speaks with longtime friend Jim Murphy, author of the viral bestseller Inner Excellence and newly republished The Best Possible Life. They discuss the importance of viewing Christianity as transformative rather than escapist, and the value of countercultural, gospel-centered living. Connect with Jim Website: Inner Excellence | By Jim Murphy Instagram: Jim Murphy (@innerexcellencejimmurphy) • Instagram profile @innerexcellencejimmurphy Substack: Inner Excellence | Jim Murphy | Substack X: Jim Murphy (@innerexcellence) on X @‌innerexcellence LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/innerexcellence/ Facebook: Inner Excellence | Lakeland FL Buy the book: Inner Excellence Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  Instagram: @RedLetterXians  Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne 

Shane talks with Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ in the US and Canada. She is the first Black woman to lead a mainline denomination as Chief Executive, and is a prominent, prophetic voice in the US and beyond. Connect with Terri Terri Hord Owens Facebook Disciples of Christ Facebook Instagram Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Terri's books Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  Instagram: @RedLetterXians  Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne 

Shane talks with Peter Pedemonti, one of the leaders and founders of the New Sanctuary Movement in Philadelphia, and a passionate, faith-rooted organizer working to protect immigrant families. Connect with Peter New Sanctuary Movement Philadelphia Connect with RLC Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  Instagram: @RedLetterXians  Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne 

Shane is joined by Rev. Cody Deese, a courageous pastor in Georgia.  Recent clips of his sermons have gone viral as he seeks to address the current spiritual crisis in America and pastor a congregation through these turbulent times. Connect with Cody • @codydeese • Cody's website • Vining Lakes Church   Connect with RLC • Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  • To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   • Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  • Instagram: @RedLetterXians  • Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  • Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne   

Shane Claiborne sits down with Marvin Rees, former Bristol mayor and new UK House of Lords member, to discuss how local leaders are tackling global crises like climate change and systemic inequality amidst failing national institutions. Connect with Marvin @marvinjrees Connect with RLC • Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  • To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   • Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  • Instagram: @RedLetterXians  • Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  • Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne 

Shane speaks with Abeer Shehadeh Nasser, a Palestinian Christian citizen of Israel from Nazareth and co-host of the podcast Across the Divide. She shares how separation among Palestinians fuels identity crises and recounts an early encounter with Christian Zionism that pushed her to connect faith with political reality. Connect with Abeer • Across The Divide podcast Connect with RLC • Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/  • To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org   • Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians  • Instagram: @RedLetterXians  • Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne  • Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne